President George H.W. Bush among those inducted into fishing hall of fame

The International Game Fish Association named five “fishing greats” to the 2019 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2019 includes IGFA world record holder and conservationist Terri Andres, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, fisheries policy advocate Robert Hayes, pelagic game fish researcher Dr. Julian Pepperell, and tackle industry leader and conservationist Yasuhiko Tsunemi.

Bushing on a fishing trip in Maine.

“From pioneering fishing lodge operators to global political leaders to noted marine scientists, the 2019 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees are a diverse group who cut a wide wake of accomplishment in the recreational angling community,” said IGFA president Nehl Horton in a statement.

President Bush was a passionate recreational angler, often targeting striped bass and bluefish offshore his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, and chasing bonefish on the flats off of Islamorada, Fla. He caught a 135-pound tarpon in the Florida Keys with guide George Wood, and established 56 wildlife refuges during his presidency.